In case you've missed these, here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wPCrzYis4g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhAFMuMRyxU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmTr22rvldk

Here is the latest UP 4014 video update:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0HELqgu0E

Thanks, I'm passing these on to, of all things, a high-speed rail site in California. Seems some of those guys, while pumping for modern service, still have a soft spot for steam.

And here's yet another update showing progress through September 6th (interesting technical discussion, including on the 4014's Elesco Model TP400 Exhaust Steam Injector):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wiKxPptCDI

Hello,

It is very interesting that the UP is posting these videos with details in the overhaul process. This knowledge and equipment was commonplace in the hay day of steam but is all but disappeared history today.

Today, even for steam restoration crews, they have to address this but the general public never sees it. Hopefully it sparks new interest from the younger generation somewhat like the Steampunk movement. Retro can be sheik...especially the heavy steam iron.

Great industrial archeology here!

Hopefully they are willing to keep posting these videos. This is great information, like Kelly's SR shop updates.

Regards,

Randy

One of the videos says they drilled and tapped holes in the bearings for their bearing puller, on the driving pins. How were these bearings removed originally in service?

I'd guess that they typically didn't pull them until they were so worn they'd slip out easily, maybe with a little persuasion from a pry bar.

Another video, released today by UP, shows progress through September 9th; discussion centers on the Wrist Pin Nut & Split Collar & Mr. Dickens mentions that the 4014's tender will hold some of the Big Boy's removed parts en route to Cheyenne (the tender will also take on water to add extra weight):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOLhHh8f_5g

I wonder when they'll address the conections from the backs of the cylinders to the main rods. If I remember correctly, they were torch cut at some point? I might be wrong about that but I thought I'd seen shots of the rods torched on display.

The 4018's rods were cut...not the 4014's.

My mistake, I thought for sure I'd seen cut rods on the 4014, glad to know I'm wrong!

Just a note to say, I've talked to Union Pacific men who have told me the cut piston rods are not something to worry over. They can be replaced now, just as they were in the old days.

They're friggin piston rods, not space shuttle engines. Take an old freight car axle and turn off anything that doesn't look like a piston rod......injecor parts are harder.

dave

A good machine shop can make anything...rods, pistons...you name it. No show stopper there.

BTW, the piston rods are hollow on a Big Boy.

Ref: Kratville.

Steve